The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced changes to its strict Islamic law, legalizing the purchase and drinking of alcohol, including living with an unmarried couple, and making honor killings a punishable offense.
According to German broadcaster DW, the new rules in the UAE allow people 21 years of age or older to drink, sell or carry alcohol. The UAE government announced the relaxation of strict Islamic laws on Saturday, November 7.
The reforms were announced on the state-run news agency, while details were published in the government-backed newspaper The National on Saturday, November 7.
Before the new rules were announced, locals needed special permits to drink, buy or transport alcohol. However, now Muslims will be able to keep and drink alcohol in their homes without a permit.
The UAE has recently recognized Israel as a state under US mediation. Following the announcement, Jewish investment and tourist arrivals in the UAE are expected to increase.
In addition, this Arab country is inhabited by people from all over the world who want to work on a personal level. The Emirati authorities are gradually pursuing reforms and softening to make their country more compatible with the West, and the latest steps are a link to that.
Following recent amendments to the law, unmarried couples are now allowed to live together in the UAE. Earlier, it was forbidden to stay with an unmarried boy or girl. Although the authorities, especially in Dubai, were often mild-mannered with regard to foreigners, the threat of punishment still loomed large.
The UAE government has removed protection in cases such as honor killings. In tribal tradition, if a woman was considered to be bringing disgrace to herself or her family, she could face torture or even murder, but it is unclear now whether such crimes The rules are over.
The UAE is a place where there are nine foreign nationals for every local citizen. In this context, these reforms are significant. It is also important to note that it is no longer necessary for foreign nationals residing in the UAE to rely solely on Islamic Sharia law in marriage, divorce and other matters.